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Looking to the Future

The

Winter

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So very happy with the team at Machins. Immensely grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout the whole of my divorce process.

www.machins.co.uk Berkhamsted - 01442 872311 Luton - 01582 514000

PEPE & TETE

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JANUARY ISSUE THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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EDITOR Faye Manning ••••• EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jordi Brown ••••• SUB EDITOR Kieran Bullworthy ••••• FASHION EDITOR Nicholas Peter ••••• DESIGN & PRODUCTION Bob Ambrose ••••• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Clair Gibbs 07841 871 458 ••••• ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning Andree Georgiou ••••• DIRECTORS Patrick Smith Rory Smith

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CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

HOUSE & GARDEN

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best Keep it local for everything house and home

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OUT & ABOUT – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : T H O R P E H O U S E S C H O O L

OUT & ABOUT

ALL YEAR WADDESDON MANOR, A ROTHSCHILD HOUSE AND GARDENS Surrounded by views of Oxfordshire, the Chilterns Hills, the Vale of Aylesbury and just a train ride away from London, Waddesdon Manor, is an ideal place for relaxing with family and friends. Explore this French Renaissance-style château built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to entertain the fashionable world and to house his collection of fine art. Waddesdon, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH

[EVENTS]

THE CALENDAR ALL YEAR

AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy a sumptuous Afternoon Tea which includes finger sandwiches, scones and fresh clotted cream with strawberry jam, selection of cakes and a wide choice of freshly brewed teas. Hartwell House, Oxford Road, Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR

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27 FEBRUARY SPANISH FIESTA! Come on a journey to sunny Spain. Imagine the fiery flamenco dancers, the castanets and the heat of the afternoon sun. Experience the beguiling, alluring and captivating rhythms of Spain interpreted through the world’s best loved composers. From Bizet’s Carmen Suite No.1 to RimskyKorsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Chabrier’s España and Strauss’ Chachucha-Galopp we promise an afternoon of unforgettable music. Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1UG

21-25 FEBRUARY LAMBWATCH!

ALL YEAR

ROALD DAHL TRAIL Rootle out the magic of Buckinghamshire’s Roald Dahl country, which the Master Storyteller wove into Matilda, Danny Champion of the World, Fantastic Mr Fox and other fantabulous tales. The Roald Dahl Trail reveals the secret of where to go and what to see for an absolutely squiffing family day out. Start at Great Missenden, Roald Dahl’s home town. This is where Dahl lived for thirty years and wrote the much-loved books which, in his lifetime, made him the most popular children’s author in the world. Go on to discover just the sort of intriguing, exciting, phizz-whizzing places that Dahl himself would have known or loved. Trail details can be downloaded from www.roalddahl.com

With our ewes ready to lamb at Odds Farm Park, learn all about lambing from our experienced team and watch the cutest of new-borns take their very first steps in the Little Hooves Lamb Nursery! Odds Farm Park Wooburn Common High Wycombe Bucks HP10 0LX

26 FEBRUARY BOB DYLAN NIGHT Come gather round friends wherever you are and listen to some great local performers with their interpretations of Bob Dylan’s songs. Covering just a sparkling sample of over forty years of the great man’s works. York House Centre, London Road Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1JQ

ALL YEAR

19 JANUARY CELEBRATING CLIMBERS MASTERCLASS Whether you like Clematis or Wisteria, Honeysuckle or Star Jasmine or climbing Hydrangea or maybe Passion flowers there is a climber to suit any wall, fence or pergola. BGC’s Chris Day looks at how to get the best from your favourite climbing plants in this FREE Masterclass. From planting to pruning, training and aftercare, Chris provides the advice on how to get the very best from your beauties! Buckingham Garden Centre Tingewick Road Buckingham Buckinghamshire MK18 4AE

BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE & RAILWAY Bekonscot Model Village and Railway is the world’s oldest and original model village, opening for the first time in 1929. Bekonscot delights visitors of all ages. It is a miniature wonderland with a large Gauge 1 railway, where nobody grows up. Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2PL JANUARY 2022 21

21-25 FEBRUARY CODEBREAKING PUZZLES

29 JANUARY

RAVE ON: THE RISE OF ROCK AND ROLL Rave On is the 50’s & 60’s Rock and Roll sensation sweeping the nation. Featuring multiple award winning band The Bluejays, a group comprised of stars from West End Productions The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet, One Man Two Guvnors and Dreamboats & Petticoats, Rave On transports you back to the fabulous 50’s and the swinging 60’s in stunningly authentic style. Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. Prepare to be enthralled as The Bluejays recreate note perfect renditions of the songs that changed the world forever. Swan Theatre, St Mary St, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 2XE

Ready for a special mission? Pick-up your ‘TOP SECRET’ Mission Pack from Admissions (£1 per pack) and explore Bletchley Park solving various puzzles and challenges. The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB

20-21 JANUARY EYTHROPE’S SPECTACULAR SNOWDROPS - WADDESDON See the private parkland at Eythrope with a white blanket of January snowdrops. Snowdrops (Galanthus) are a welcome sight in the winter months as they herald the arrival of spring. Translating to ‘milk white flower’, Eythrope’s gardens have an extensive collection of snowdrops and you will see 70 different types. Waddesdon, Aylesbury, HP18 0JH

18 FEBRUARY ALVIN AS ELVIS TRIBUTE NIGHT @ STOWE

29 JANUARY

NAUGHTY JAPANESE BADGERS AND OTHER STORIES To celebrate National Storytelling Week and StonyWords the Stony Storytellers in association with York House present an evening of storytelling for adults. Japanese badgers are VERY NAUGHTY and the things they do are, frankly, unspeakable. It will, of course, all be done in the best possible taste! York House Centre, London Road Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1JQ 22 JANUARY 2022

Come along and experience the music that created a true Rock ‘n’ Roll legend! Well known and highly respected Elvis Presley tribute artist and entertainer, London West End performer, as well as radio and national television celebrity Alvin Printwhistle presents this ultimate Elvis tribute show. Arrival at 7.30pm. Fish and Chips will be available to buy on the night. Stowe House Preservation Trust, Stowe Buckingham, MK18 5EH

15% of f

Y HAND GL M

E I N R I TA B

OUT & ABOUT

A CONCERT EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

The Chiltern Arts 2022 programme

magine entering a darkened church. Shimmering golden-green lights illuminate pillars and windows and quiet forest sounds bring the world around them to life. The place is imbued with magic, and it feels as though one has stepped into another world entirely. A concert experience like no other, and unforgettable performances from some of the UK’s top musicians, often interwoven with spoken poetry and readings. Fairy trails and poetry and colouring competitions: all waiting for you through the Chiltern Arts 2022 programme. As the world still reels from the effects of the pandemic, Chiltern Arts offers a serene escape from the daily grind with a programme inspired by the world of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, exploring magic, mystery and folk tales – with concerts taking place in the usual array of venues across the Chilterns, including Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Berkhamsted, Great Missenden, Dorchester-onThames, Princes Risborough and Wendover. Chiltern Arts starts the season on 25th and 26th February with two outstanding concerts and a family workshop. The award-winning choir Tenebrae open the season in Dorchester Abbey on 25th February with an enchanting programme of music inspired by the solstices; and in Henley-onThames the following day, experience the stunning

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combination of the sound of voices and saxophones performing baroque and renaissance music, alongside the world premiere of a new arrangement of Vaughan Williams’ cantata In Windsor Forest. Earlier in the day on the Saturday, families can join Eboracum Baroque as they explore Jessica CourtneyTickle’s book Four Seasons in One Day with live performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and the opportunity to create some beautiful artwork too. And later in the year, for a week in May, the Chilterns becomes home to more world-class musicians, including the Albion String Quartet, the celebrated duo Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, the soprano duo Fair Oriana, guitarist Sean Shibe and the City of London Sinfonia. Tickets are on sale at chilternarts.com – and the poetry and colouring competitions deadlines are January 31st, with winning entries making up our fairy trails across the Chilterns. Chiltern Arts are also encouraging local businesses of all shapes and sizes to take part in our Fringe Festival through April and May – whether it’s through a window display, a themed menu or mischievous sprites appearing in your product displays, use your imagination and help create a magical world for the Chilterns next year.

THE DETAILS Chiltern Arts Request your brochure, find out more, enter the competitions, join the Fringe Festival and buy tickets at chilternarts.com

Some furniture is made for the here and now. Some is built to stand the test of time. At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both. Good design never grows old.

Neptune Chesham, 01494 398472 neptune.com

COVER STORY

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE When schools reflect on what ‘defines’ them, the starting point for that process is crucial; it sets out a marker for what is important to that establishment and asserts to the families looking in at them, what virtues they wish to see most strongly exhibited in their pupils.

any schools will extol the virtues that we definitely want to see, the virtues that we encourage in our children at home; virtues such as compassion, ambition, aspiration, thoughtfulness, kindness, consideration will rightly, and commendably, feature in the values and ethos statements. There is nothing wrong with any of these, indeed these are virtues that you should be looking for in a school, but above all else, I would encourage you to look for schools that put courage at the heart of what they stand for – for themselves 26 JANUARY 2022

and for their pupils. In 1931 Winston Churchill wrote “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities, because, as has been said, it is the quality which guarantees all others.” From the moment children start in a school, whatever their age, you want them to be encouraged to be courageous in all that they do. At Thorpe House the first assemblies and Form times are about building within the pupils an expectation of what they might be able to achieve that day, that week, that term and that year with the challenge

to seize every opportunity to discover something new about themselves. At Thorpe there is no room for complacency or just doing what is comfortable because then our pupils will never fulfil the potential that lies within and that would be a tragedy. When we present this challenge it is not with a specific academic focus; if it is in academia that a child derives excitement in discovering their talents then that is wonderful but it is just as wonderful if it comes from music, drama, art, sport or something completely ‘out there’ that you and I might not even consider. One of our pupils’ great dream has been to learn to fly and he achieved his first solo flight on the day he turned 16 last November – incredible.

For another of our pupils, his wonderful curiosity of nature had him digging in his garden and, at the age of just 5, he was reconstructing the skeleton of a fox that he had unearthed and from that experience has emanated an ongoing interest in the living (and not so living!) world and passion for the environment. Our pupils are prepared to take on different and often unique challenges because that is, quite simply, the expectation that we instil in them from the day they start with us. If you were to ask any of the pupils at Thorpe, what our mantra was, they would all respond immediately with “Better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today”; at Thorpe we are committed to developing that courageous approach to education that encourages a growth mind-set that will foster intellectual curiosity throughout their lives. Thorpe House is a school where we seek to be the facilitators of discovery. It is perhaps the greatest privilege that schools have to be able to work with young minds and take their dreams and help them turn them into reality. As we get older in life, it is too often the case that dreams remain just that and we lack the self-belief and drive to make them happen but when children are young, never tell them something is impossible because if anyone can make the impossible possible, it will be them. At Thorpe we encourage our pupils to have the courage to dream and their dreams are our motivation in all that we do.

“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it has been said, it is the quality which guarantees all others” Winston Churchill

THE DETAILS Thorpe House School Your local Independent School. Thorpe House School is an allthrough school for boys aged 4-16. Open Day, Tuesday 16th March, 09:00-11:00. Book your place at thorpehouse.co.uk JANUARY

2022 27

OUT & ABOUT

For the Love of Art GDS Artschool is a regular weekly art class run by Gary Dean Spencer, aimed at anyone wanting to explore their interest in painting (and related practices, such as drawing), whether they are a beginner or have more experience

ary has taught art at many levels for over 25 years, and considers his workshops to be a combination of informal leisure classes and more structured college sessions, aiming to make approaches as clear as possible, while also giving students room for their own personality and aims. He works through demonstration and one-to-one advice, and expands on an ever-varied schedule of themes and ideas by also referring to other artists past and present, as a way of helping to understand and appreciate each task. Classes are three hours long, and refreshments are provided. If you might be interested in trying a free session, and to find out more details, such as precise locations, fees, material requirements and examples of previous and current work schedules, please use the contact page on the website at www.gdsartschool.com or email directly at gds.artschool@gmail.com.

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Painting in general is one of the most addictive and endlessly fascinating of pastimes

THE DETAILS GDS Artschool Telephone:07415 856549 email: gds.artschool@gmail.com www.gdsartschool.com

Gary can also be hired to give informative and entertaining slide -talks related to art, and also run an online Zoom class for those that would, for whatever reason, work from home. Gary believes anyone can find a way of painting that suits them, and feels that painting in general is one of the most addictive and endlessly fascinating of pastimes (or profession, if you are aiming higher!). His classes attract many dedicated and talented artists on a regular basis, and you will be very welcome to join them!

DELICATESSEN • FINE FOODS • COOKERY SCHOOL

Pavilion is now open! An independant delicatessen & fine food store in the heart of Henley, with a cookery school launching soon.

Our mission is to create and curate imaginatively conceived delectable food with an in-store experience like no other. From the theatre of our vast open kitchen to our glorious in-house rotisserie and specially stocked store aisles, Pavilion has something for everyone. Whether you’re eating on the go, planning a simple meal at home or cooking for a dinner party, we have a wealth of highquality ingredients and dishes that will delight any keen foodie.

Find us at 25 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AA

www.pavilionfoods.co.uk

hello@pavilionfoods.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Welcome to

The Farm Shop Fulmer

ocated in the small village of Fulmer in Buckinghamshire, to the rear of The Black Horse Pub, The Farm Shop Fulmer is a supplier of locally sourced produce, with a top-quality butcher, fish monger, café and so much more. The Farm Shop was born out of the pandemic, it started as a small farmers market on the patio at the front of The Black Horse put in place to keep the pub afloat and to try to offer a service to the local community when the country was first locked down. Fast-forward to October 2020, a permanent farm shop was built within an existing 4500 square meter barn. Our mission is to provide you with the very best of British, local and authentic produce, from our passionate suppliers who share the same values as us. We have carefully hand-picked all of our partners and vice versa – we value these relationships and the local supply chains we have built with these small businesses, producers and creators; we are delighted to pass on the fruit of these labours to you!

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If you’re searching for daily fresh, top quality & seasonal produce, then look no further. From our wide selection of fruit and veg, to our freshly baked bread, pastries and locally sourced dairy, The Farm Shop Fulmer can fulfil all your needs. At the shop, you will find the best butchers in the Home Counties, with the only Himalayan salt room outside of London. All our red meat is dry aged and cured for up to 60 days in this room, where the salt is used to purify the air, thus creating the optimum environment to bring out the flavour of the meat. Throughout the dry ageing process, moisture evaporates from the meat, intensifying the flavours. This results in a superior, unbelievably tender piece of meat. If you haven’t tried it yet, we can safely say you are missing out! The Farm Shop Fulmer is open between 8am and 6pm, 7 days a week. Drop into our café and do your weekly shop too? If you would rather order online, then please visit thefarmshopfulmer.co.uk/online-store to order your produce via Click & Collect or select free delivery (within a 5-mile radius) if you would like the items delivered to your door (minimum spend applies). We can’t wait to welcome you!

“We have the best butchers in the Home Counties, with the only Himalayan salt room outside of London”

www.thefarmshopfulmer.co.uk farmshop@theblackhorsefulmer.co.uk The Farm Shop Fulmer, Windmill Road, Fulmer, SL3 6HD (located to the rear of The Black Horse Pub) JANUARY 2022 31

OUT & ABOUT

CHEF LAURIE GEAR

January recipe & kitchen news

anuary is a time for stews, slow cooking and warming soups. This month’s recipe features the very versatile vegetable Kohlrabi a member of the cabbage family which holds a sweet and peppery flavour and the addition of the Dorset blue cheese adds another layer of savoury richness making it the perfect lunch to enjoy after a long walk on a cold frosty day. I like to have it with crusty bread with lots of

butter however for a more substantial offering or as a starter it eats beautifully with a salad of thinly sliced apples, celery, green grapes and toasted walnuts - an undressed Waldorf salad in essence. Mix your salad ingredients together and lay them around the inside rims of large soup plates and ladle the hot soup into the middle, simply delicious. At the restaurant we serve this delicious soup with a few thinly sliced artichoke crisps to finish.

RECIPE: KOHLRABI AND DORSET BLUE VINNY SOUP Ingredients Serves 4 For The Soup: • 2 medium kohlrabi- washed • 1 clove of garlic chopped • 3 sticks of celery – medium chopped • 1 onion – peeled and medium chopped • 2 litres chicken or vegetable stock – warmed • 300 ml warmed double cream

• 50 g salted butter • 125 g Dorset Blue Vinney grated • Salt and freshly ground pepper To Garnish: • Waldorf salad as introduction if desired or artichoke crisps

Winter News We wish a very Happy New Year to all Life readers – let’s hope this will be a happier one for everyone. The romance of Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and we are working on a sumptuous Menu, accompanied by some fantastic wines - a memorable and delightful gourmet treat for that special someone! Surprise your loved one and reserve a table for a romantic Valentine’s Dinner Bespoke Six-Course Tasting Menu served with Snacks and a glass of Charles Heidsieck Rose Champagne , upon arrival, as well as a special Valentine’s Gift to take home at the end of the night, as a memento of this romantic evening. @ £155.00 per person Selected Matching Wines @£95.00 per person To reserve: www.artichokerestaurant.co.uk

The Artichoke Restaurant 9 Market Square Old Amersham Tel: 01494 726611 artichokerestaurant.co.uk

Method For the soup: 1. Peel the kohl rabi and then chop into small pieces. 2. Sweat in a hot pan with a little butter and oil with the chopped onion garlic and celery. 3. Add stock, cook until just soft. 4. Liquidise in a blender with the warmed cream and the grated Dorset blue cheese. Season to taste.

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5. Pass through a sieve and then your soup is ready to serve – pour into warmed bowls. 6. Garnish with a little grated Dorset Blue Vinny, serve with warm chunky freshly baked bread. Chefs Tips To make this soup even more luxurious you can pour the warn soup into a cream whipper to serve giving a light aerated velvety texture.

n po or p ou f ho s c op s hi Sh ire t t m nt en ar r e es F u Pr The F yo at OF %

THE

FULMER

The Farm Shop Fulmer

Located to the rear of The Black Horse Pub in Fulmer Featuring a café, butchers, fishmonger, bakery, fruit & veg and so much more. Come & try meat from the best butchers in Buckinghamshire, with one of the only Himalayan salt walls outside of London. Secure igloo dining experience available at the pub as well as The Lodge (for adults only) & indoor golf experiences. Please call for bookings. Open from 8am-6pm 7 days a week Click & collect and delivery available at www.thefarmshopfulmer.co.uk/online-store

farmshop@theblackhorsefulmer.co.uk | 01753 663183 |

@thefarmshopfulmer

OUT & ABOUT

THE ELGIVA New Year at The Elgiva in Chesham gets off to a bang with a terrific line-up of events.

rom top cinema smashes (Save The Cinema, West Side Story, On The Rocks) to more arthouse, award-winning features (Kajillionaire, The Painter and The Thief, Two of Us) there is something for every big screen fan. If music is your jam, we have the supertrouper tribute show Abba Forever and the top-class musicians Legends of Swing coming to take the roof off and the English Sinfonia take us on a voyage Into The Night Sky with a programme featuring Holst’s monumental and awe-inspiring work The Planets, alongside Mozart’s own serenade to the night Eine kleine Nachtmusik, and Vaughan Williams’ ethereal and beautiful The Lark Ascending. There’s nothing better than laughter to warm the cold winter nights – and we have hottest comedians hitting our stage. George Egg brings his zany, hilarious, anarchic culinary show to us after its award-winning run at The Edinburgh Fringe and Simon Evans takes time off from the TV to give his excoriating views of a world on fire, rich with his typical wit and caustic observations. We also welcome BBC Radio 4’s cop-turned-comedian Alfie Moore for his latest stand-up tour show and Dom Joly will be sharing some candid holiday snaps as he takes us on a tour of Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone. And, of course, theatre. We have opera (Rigoletto, La traviata) and ballet (Romeo and Juliet) captured

There’s nothing better than laughter to warm the cold winter nights THE DETAILS The Elgiva Check out all our shows at elgiva.com 34 JANUARY 2022

live on stage at The Royal Opera House as well as National Theatre Live screenings of Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt and Philip Pullman’s Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage. Horrible Histories are back with a spin through the Terrible Tudors and we are proud to showcase new production Vengeance – a fresh narrative on the beguiling figure of Oscar Wilde. Also coming up is Jekyll & Hyde, a show that stays true to the original tale whilst embracing the comedic magic of theatre in a hilarious fast-paced spin and perennial favourite Hairspray is always a crowd-pleasing delight.

Spring Programme 2022

Vengeance

Martin Kemp’s ‘Back to the 80’s’ DJ set

George Egg

On the Rocks

Simon Evans

www.elgiva.com or call 01494 582900

OUT & ABOUT

LOVE LOC AL

STEPHEN & SON GUNMAKERS S tephen & Son is a team of gunmakers / gunsmiths who recently moved from their premises in Harlington Bedfordshire to a beautiful location in Leighton-Buzzard. Some professionals with years of experience on English and Continental guns will welcome you in their new bespoke made gunshop, superb gunroom and fully equipped workshop. Stephen & Son are the official stockists of some of the most world-renowned gun manufacturers in the world. Our wide range of shotguns and rifles have been selected from the best gun manufacturers in the world. We only sell highquality guns and we want to make sure every customer has the opportunity to experience a gun that is perfect for their individual needs. Whether you are using your gun for clay shooting or game hunting, we have different types of shotguns from pump-action, over and under, semi-automatic, side-by-side and bolt action. We not only sell brand new shotguns shipped from the manufacturer, but we also sell secondhand shotguns to allow customers with smaller budgets to get their hands on a top-quality gun. If any alterations are needed to your gun, like stock alterations or you need your gun fitted, we provide these services at our workshop All keen

clay or game shooters will be able to find anything they need: cartridges, shotguns, rifles, good quality countrywear, boots, leather products, cleaning products and many more. The core of the business has always been manufacturing and repairs of guns and also gunfitting, so you will find a stunning workshop onsite. Any customers can talk directly to the gunsmith looking after his gun. Nearly all the work is done in house. Any guns purchased with us will be fitted. Stephen & Son is not only a gunshop, it is a real destination and a great experience. Stephane Dupille. Director

“Any customers can talk directly to the gunsmith looking after his gun. Nearly all the work is done in house”

THE DETAILS Stephen & Son Gunmakers Ltd 5 Apex Park, Leighton-Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3RE. Telephone : +44 (0) 1525 643 387 stephenandson-gunmakers.co.uk enquiries@stephenandsongunmakers.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2021 67

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OUT & ABOUT

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU without leaving your house “This year, I’m going to make the most of my gym membership and go!” he said. “I’m going to be more proactive about my household needs” she said. I replied, “I’m going to do all that and more without leaving my home.” “How?” they asked…

he average UK home currently has around 10 connected devices and reports suggest that this will rise to 50 devices by 2023. The more tech we buy, the more we need Full Fibre Broadband as laptops, smart watches, smart speakers and security systems all fight for bandwidth. To get the most out of every device, a strong, reliable and fast broadband connection is vital. Introducing Swish Fibre Go beyond today’s broadband and bring Full Fibre into your home with Swish Fibre’s brand new 10,000Mbps capable network. Unless you’re one of the lucky few UK households, chances are you have a fibre-to-the-cabinet broadband (FTTC). This means the final stage of the journey to your home is being made by the traditional copper telephone wire. Think of copper like a leaky bucket, where it quickly loses speed over the distance to your home. Our 100% fibre-optic Full Fibre broadband (FTTP) offers blistering performance directly into your home, so you can work, surf, exercise, play and more with confidence while you check off all those New Year resolutions without even needing to leave the house. • Exercise; from the living room. From Peloton bikes to Echelon rowing machines, there’s an increasing number of home gym equipment that offers live and on-demand classes. There’s no need to travel to the gym in the cold when you can stick to your exercise goals without leaving the house. • Be more proactive; using your mobile. Managing household needs has become easier than ever with smart appliances. By linking devices to your mobile or tablet you could make your coffee before getting

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out of bed or speak to your front door without coming down the stairs. You could even programme your fridge to create your shopping list so you can focus your attention elsewhere. • Surf and play; from every room. After tearing into presents or hitting the sales, you might find yourself with more internet based gadgets than ever before. This year, don’t let them go to waste or cause frustration due to slow streaming speeds or blackspots; make them enjoyable in every part of your home. With Swish Fibre, you can say hello to 4K streaming, hardcore gaming, crystal clear video calls and smart home living, across multiple devices 24/7. We make every millisecond count by delivering an upload speed that matches the eye-watering download speed of your chosen package. With split-second response rates, Swish always delivers when it matters most. If you’re a resident of Beaconsfield, Marlow or Gerrards Cross, the good news is - Full Fibre is available in your area. You can register your interest for more information on what we can do for you, to find out when your home is ready to be connected or to pre-order your desired service. Why not visit our Hub in Marlow to put the latest technology and gaming equipment to the test and see the results of Full Fibre for yourself.

With Swish Fibre, you can say hello to 4K streaming, hardcore gaming, crystal clear video calls and smart home living, across multiple devices 24/7

THE DETAILS Swish Fibre 6, 6A Market Square, Marlow SL7 1DA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for build updates, offers and local events @swishfibre

*Speedtest taken on 28th May 2021, see swishfibre.com for more details

swishfibre.com

Get Swish for 2022

OUT & ABOUT

THINKING OF DIVORCE?

January is often a month when there is a spike in divorce enquiries from people who have just separated or who are contemplating doing so.

ivorce is rarely easy, however Sue Andrews, family partner at B P Collins gives some tips on how it can be as amicable as possible. If emotional upset, anxiety and cost can be reduced, this will benefit all involved. Acceptance - Accepting that a relationship is over is key – and this may involve giving yourself and your former partner time and space to grieve both the end of your relationship and the future you will no longer have. Individual or couples counselling can help with this, but crucially, try not to rush into the formal process, until you are ready. Put your children first - When you have children, their needs and interests should be considered first. This is vital for their wellbeing, but can also benefit you and your former partner, since it shifts the focus onto people who rely upon you, and that can help to build a strong foundation for you to parent your children. As parents you will have an ongoing relationship for the rest of your lives, and you are likely to attend events together from school parents’ evening to your children’s weddings, so you need to be able to “get on”. Try not to argue over the little things - Always keep an eye on the bigger picture and the longer-term. When dealing with financial matters for instance, in most cases there is very little to be gained by arguing over who gets a particular item. Try not to bring up

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past events, or make accusations about each other. If you can avoid that, it will help to minimise the emotional distress. Be honest and respectful – You are each required to provide complete and clear information about your financial and other material circumstances, for example, an intention to live with someone else. Be frank about all matters and not play games in this disclosure process. Trust and respect are vital for a good ending. Get the right support – Talking to family members and friends can help you through difficult moments, but although they are in your corner, ask them to support you in your wish to want to remain amicable and on good terms with your former partner. Your friends and family want you to be happy; and any anger and distrust will only delay that. Counsellors can also offer vital support. Talking and being heard in a neutral and supportive environment can help you and your former partner to vocalise your upset and grievances. A counsellor can then suggest mechanisms to help to keep the emotion out of the formal matters, which need to be dealt with. Also, instruct a specialist family lawyer, whom you have a rapport with, and who will provide clear and constructive advice, which can include telling you things you don’t want to hear. This support should help to deal with matters amicably and enable you to move forward without bitterness and upset.

If emotional upset, anxiety and cost can be reduced, this will benefit all involved

THE DETAILS BP Collins The family team at B P Collins has a wealth of experience to help, advise and support you through your divorce. If you would like to discuss your matter, please call 01753 279046, or email sue.andrews@bpcollins.co.uk. You can also follow our family team on Instagram at:familylawyers_bpc

New Start to the New Year: Your Financial Planning

New year’s resolutions and money go hand in hand; rising inflation, increased taxes and continued uncertainties all mean that it is essential that financial plans are revisited. With offices in both Amersham and Aylesbury, Succession Wealth want to share our expertise with you and help make 2022 and beyond much more certain, giving you and successive generations of your family, confidence in your financial futures. Pensions and Investments Despite often being one of your most substantial assets, all too frequently the investments within pensions are not monitored and opportunities go to waste. If you’ve not reviewed your pensions recently this should be a new year’s resolution. We are happy to offer an impartial review as part of your overall financial plan.

Inheritance Tax As property prices in the Southeast continue to rise and inheritance tax thresholds remain frozen, more estates are paying inheritance tax. Having a proper financial plan, is key to having a robust inheritance tax strategy. The key to managing your financial planning whether it be investments, pensions, or inheritance tax is a robust and documented financial plan. Using the expertise and experience of a professional financial planner will add tremendous value and provide you with the confidence in your financial future, so that you can get on with living your life without having to worry about money. We have offices in Amersham and Aylesbury, please do get in touch to see how we can help.

ISAs Current cash interest rates are substantially below inflation. Now is the time to review your existing cash savings as part of your overall financial plan. Sustainability Increasingly investments need to also consider their environmental impact. If this is important to you, we can consider how your money in ISAs, pensions and other investments can be used for positive environmental and societal goals.

AMERSHAM OFFICE

Connery House, Repton Place, White Lion Road, Amersham HP7 9LP 01494 358000

AYLESBURY OFFICE

1 The Firs, Aylesbury Road Bierton HP22 5DX 01296 394 675

Succession Wealth is a trading style of Succession Wealth Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register number 588378. Please note, The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate advice on taxation. Succession Wealth Management Ltd is registered in England at Drake Building, 15 Davy Road, Plymouth Science Park, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 8BY: Registered Number: 07882611.This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only. The content of this article was accurate at the time of writing. Whilst information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances, regulation and legislation after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the article. The value of your investment(s) and the income derived from it can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested.

Tenebrae: Sounds of the Solstice Dorchester Abbey Friday 25th February 2022, 7.30pm

The award-winning choir performs a dramatic programme charting a journey through the seasons, centring around the summer and winter solstices. Featuring music by Holst, Elgar, MacMillan, Maxwell Davies, Poulenc and many more.

Corvus Consort & Ferio Saxophone Quartet: In Windsor Forest

St Mary’s Church, Henley-on-Thames Saturday 26th February 2022, 7.30pm

“devastatingly beautiful” – The Guardian

These two outstanding ensembles join forces, combining saxophones and voices to provide a totally new perspective on Baroque and Renaissance vocal works, plus favourites by Vaughan Williams. The evening closes with a specially-commissioned arrangement of Vaughan Williams’ Cantata In Windsor Forest for choir and saxophone quartet. “remarkable programming... vivacity and sheer exuberance” – Andrew Maddocks

Tickets £15–£35 Premium Tickets Available

chilternarts.com 01442 920303

Chiltern Arts Season 2022 Festival Weekend: 25th–26th February Festival Week: 14th–21st May

We can help map out your financial future whatever your life’s ambitions. We specialise in wealth management and preservation, as well as financial and estate planning For more information on how we can help you to plan for a secure financial future, please contact our friendly Wealth Planning teams in either Amersham or Aylesbury to arrange an initial meeting with no obligation. Amersham Connery House, Repton Place, White Lion Road, Amersham, HP7 9LP | 01494 358000

National wealth planning — delivered locally

Aylesbury 1 The Firs, Aylesbury Road, Bierton, HP22 5DX | 01296 394675 successionwealth.co.uk

OUT &&ABOUT HOME PROPERTY

Historic Buildings Create Breath-taking Backdrop for Amenities at Royal Connaught Park

et within the former Dining Hall and Staff Room at Royal Connaught Park, a residential development that is part new build part sensitive restoration of the former Royal Masonic School for Boys, is a spectacular Health & Fitness Centre. Occupying the early 20th Century building is a gymnasium, spa facilities complete with a 20m heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam rooms and a magnificent dining hall, which has retained its original flooring, stained windows and exposed wooden beams. The state-of-the-art gymnasium is situated within the former Headmaster’s and Teacher’s staff quarters, which features decommissioned fireplaces that bear original masonic symbols and engravings. The room was also made famous on the big screen, appearing in the 1957 feature film Lucky Jim as the headmaster’s (played by Ian Carmichael) office. The residents’ Dining Hall is one of the standout rooms across the entire development and once provided the dramatic backdrop for a number of Box Office movies, including the first three Harry Potter films. Stained glass windows and candle holder chandeliers suspended from a vaulted ceiling create a unique ambience that make it a special space for residents to hold parties and gatherings. Leading down a spiral stone staircase from the old Dining Hall is the elegant private swimming pool and spa complex with jacuzzi, sauna & steam rooms and changing facilities. The glass ceiling provides residents with the view of the restored

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dining hall ceiling as they swim or relax. First launched in 2010, Royal Connaught Park is now in its final phase, The Nova Collection, which is mix of two, three and four-bedroom newbuild apartments priced from £610,000 to £1.425 million. Two of the latest blocks released as part of The Nova Collection are Admiral House and Lancaster House, in addition to Yale House, Harvard House and Oxford House. Taking in uninterrupted views of the grounds and surrounding countryside, the apartments feature interiors proportioned and configured to meet modern lifestyle needs, with flexible spaces that can be freely arranged, whilst benefitting from private balconies or terraces.

THE DETAILS Prices at Royal Connaught Park start from £610,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information on the last remaining homes for sale in The Nova Collection, please contact the sales office on Tel: 01923 222292 or Email: info@thecomergroup.com

R OYA L C O N N A U G H T PA R K BUSHE Y • HERTS

WHERE MODERN GLAMOUR M E E T S T I M E L E S S D E TA I L CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR PRIVATE VIEWING APPOINTMENT* The Nova Collection is a collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments with balconies or terraces, ample spaces for home working, underground parking and lift access to all floors. •

24 hour security • Private health and fitness suite with swimming pool • Resident-only outdoor tennis courts • Over 100 acres of mature parkland • Chauffeur-driven shuttle bus to station and town centre • Secure gated environment • 18 minutes to Central London by train from Bushey station†

1, 2, 3 & 4 BEDROOM APARTMENTS • PRICES FROM £600,000 TO £1,200,000

Royal Connaught Park, The Avenue, Bushey, Hertfordshire WD23 2LW *All

†

viewings will be at a COVID compliant safe social distance and PPE will be provided. Travel times taken from National Rail.

SALES ENQUIRIES

01923 222 292 | rcp@statons.com royalconnaughtpark.com

OUT & ABOUT

BUY TO LET HUNTER W

e have heard a lot from our investors recently and decided to investigate the other end of our business. Our guest, Blair Baker, had a chat with us about her experience with Buy To Let Hunter. How did you come to be staying in one of our properties? “We sold our house in June, on the very day we put it up for market! We were selling due to a family relocation to the States and for that to happen, my husband needed a visa which was delayed due to Covid. We found ourselves in a total pickle – on the one hand everything happened so much faster than we imagined and on the other it was slower than anticipated. We were advised to stay and wait. We had no idea it would be for six months!” How has the experience with BTLH been? “When we found your house in Binfield, we felt so grateful and blessed. We were actually blown away: it was a proper home for us – with a garden for Shadow and a locked shed for us to use for storage.” What would you say to other people in your position? “This has been a major life transition and you have given us the opportunity to have a home, showing us flexibility and genuine care, giving so much more than a roof over our heads: honestly, it has made all the difference! It provides the perfect stop gap for those who are stuck between life transitions, a true safe place for us to be in the midst of stress and turmoil.” Blair and her family are packing and hopeful to 46 JANUARY 2022

finally make the next step towards a new life together in Massachusetts with flights scheduled and a shiny new visa in hand. “We think we will leave next week – but now we have to take Covid tests, so everything is still somewhat up in the air… it’s like the most suspenseful storyline narrative ever, isn’t it! “Will they stay or will they go?” In the nicest possible way, we hope Blair, Shadow and her family leave for good!

THE DETAILS Can BTLH help you find the perfect property? Get in touch and have a chat: 020 7550 9396 or hello@buytolethunter.com For more information check out www.buytolethunter.com Quadrant Road, Richmond, London, TW9 1DH

OUT & ABOUT

The Academic Scholarship programme at Queenswood gives the academically gifted a sense of identity, pride and additional purpose as they reach towards ever higher levels of achievement.

Remarkable Young Women Q

ueenswood look for, and encourage, intellectual curiosity, debate and a willingness to engage with new ideas and points of view. Over the course of each term, members of the academic staff set stimulus material on a topic related to, but not covered by, the School’s schemes of work. Scholars have the opportunity to discuss the theme with their peers in university-style seminars. For instance, they might research the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence programme, the golden discs aboard the Pioneer and Voyager probes, and the scale of space and human radio emissions, leading to a scientific and philosophical debate about whether we are alone in the universe. Other research topics have included the purpose of poetry, the meaning of heroism in classical and contemporary culture, and an introduction to philosophy. At the end of each seminar cycle, Scholars have three weeks to complete a research project related to their theme. They can submit their work in a wide range of formats – diaries, vlogs and artefacts are just

There are also opportunities for exclusive meetings with eminent academics here at Queenswood. Recent visitors have included Professor Brian Cox, Lord Robert Winston and Lucy Worsley.

THE DETAILS Queenswood For more information about Queenswood Scholarships, please visit www.queenswood.org/ scholarships 48 JANUARY 2022

as valid as traditional essays. Beyond the teacher-led seminars, the Queenswood Scholar programme includes an exciting range of academic trips and speaker meetings, designed to give pupils a greater breadth of understanding of the world. During non-Covid times, Scholars regularly attend intellectual festivals and events such as Women of the World at London’s Southbank Centre, and TedX talks at the Royal Albert Hall. There are visits to sites of special academic interest, including Bletchley Park, the British Museum, the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the Wellcome Genome Campus and the Royal Institution. There are also opportunities for exclusive meetings with eminent academics here at Queenswood. Recent visitors have included Professor Brian Cox, Lord Robert Winston and Lucy Worsley.

Happy girls are successful girls Excellent academic value added 72% A*–B five year average at A-Level

‘Everything here is carefully considered’ – Tatler Schools Guide 2022 Door-to-door transport Flexi, weekly and full boarding ‘Pastoral care uniformly “phenomenal”’ – Good Schools Guide

Open morning Saturday 5 March 2022

ueenswood 1 8 9 4

A LEADING INDEPENDENT BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18

BOOK NOW Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire AL9 6NS | 01707 602500

Charity number 311060

OUT L OV E L&OABOUT CAL

London Art Fair 20 - 24 April 2022 Business Design Centre. London N1

he London Art Fair returns to the UK capital to launch the next international art calendar; presenting over 100 selected galleries celebrating the best in Modern and Contemporary Art to discover and buy. The Fair connects both seasoned and aspiring collectors with the best galleries from around the world, providing them with a unique opportunity to discover outstanding modern and contemporary art, from prints and editions to major works by internationally renowned artists from the 20th century to today. In addition to over 100 exhibiting galleries, the Fair returns with a number of highly regarded curated spaces: Platform: Each year the Fair’s curated section Platform, features invited galleries presenting well-known, overlooked and emerging artists whose work aligns to a single distinct theme. Curated by Candida Stevens, for 2022 Platform will explore the theme of Music and its part in contemporary visual art. Visual art and music share common cultural influences, including societal, political and technological. With contemporary craft and contemporary art increasingly occupying a shared space in both exhibitions and collections, Platform will look at the range of music inspired by visual art being made today. Photo 50: The Fair’s annual exhibition of contemporary photography, will be curated by

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art historian and curator Rodrigo Orrantia. No Place is an Island presents a selection of works by British and UK-based artists, interested in questioning the idea of an island and the associated concepts of isolation and isolationism. Echoing John Donne’s celebrated No Man is an Island, this exhibition examines what it means to be an island in the contemporary moment. As we slowly emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic to a post-Brexit Britain, the topical issues of our day (climate emergency, mass migration, travel and movement restrictions) confront us with the reality of an interconnected world. Art Projects: Returns for its 18th edition at the Fair to showcase the freshest contemporary art from across the globe. Pryle Behrman, art critic and member of the Art Projects Selection Committee, will once again return for 2022 to introduce this section, and as curator of The Screening Room, which is hosted as part of Art Projects as an accompanying programme of collaborative video and new media initiatives. The Fair’s extensive gallery line up showcases a diverse cross-section of art from emerging talent to established art world favourites; alongside an inspiring programme of curated talks, panel discussions and artists insights. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit londonartfair.co.uk

Courage. Courtesy. Compassion.

St Columba’s College An education of the head and heart Co-ed Independent Catholic day school for ages 4-18 in St Albans. We'd love to meet you! Contact us to arrange a visit.

stcolumbascollege.org

Get in touch E admissions@stcolumbascollege.org T 01727 892040

FASHION, HEALTH

& BEAUTY

– Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – IMAGE: SEED WELLNESS

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY HEALTH & FITNESS

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

How You Can Look & Feel Your Best Yet Thieves Household Cleaner

fter weeks of indulging and for many, a little too much Christmas cheer, it’s time to kick start those new year’s resolutions. In order to ensure that you’re not setting yourself up for failure as we bring in the year ahead, here’s our picks for you to rejuvenate your mind, body and home so you can have a fresh start to 2022.

Young Living Yoga Mat Look the part whether you’re headed to the gym or are trying out yoga from home with this handy YL Yoga Mat. Made with 100% cotton, this eco-friendly and easy to clean turquoise mat is wonderfully soft, providing a stable yet comfortable layer of protection for your body as you practice.

Grounding Refresh your senses with Grounding essential oil blend. Simply add a few drops into a spray bottle filled with water, lightly spritzing hair and body for an instant pick-meup. Combining notes of White Fir, Juniper and Ylang Ylang for an enriching experience. You may like to dab onto your pulse points and neckline to rebalance, relax and restore the senses—particularly when you are on the go and need a moment of calm. 25 1 NU UA 4 4 J JAAN A RRYY 2 20 02 22 2

Highest Potential Connect to your core and balance your mind, body and soul with the Highest Potential essential oil blend. Featuring Jasmine, Cinnamon and Ocotea for a sweet and spicy scent. Wake up and start the day right by dabbing onto your neckline, so you can be and do more. Be gym-ready by diluting with a carrier oil, applying this revitalising fragrance onto your chest for a burst of motivation. Lean into your true potential, not just going after your dreams but chasing them!

Young Living Citrus Fresh®+ Young Living Citrus Fresh®+ features zesty notes of Orange, Tangerine, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon and Spearmint for a bright aroma. Add to gourmet salads, soups or salmon for an extra fresh offering. Or you may like to add a drop to your water for a fun and fruity option.

Experience the wonder of Thieves® Household Cleaner, as tough stains and problem areas in your home become simple and easy to clean without using harsh or abrasive chemicals. While bacteria can be dangerous, some industrial cleaners on the market pose an even larger threat to your health. Thieves Household Cleaner is a natural all-purpose concentrate that can be used in every room in your home, without the harsh chemicals. Dilute in a spray bottle or bucket, or use straight for extra strength.

Master Formula Master Formula is a comprehensive daily multivitamin pack that is formulated to support both men’s and women’s health. Packed with premium vitamins, minerals, and foodbased ingredients to support general health and wellbeing. By utilising a Synergistic Suspension Isolation process— SSI Technology—ingredients are delivered in three distinct delivery forms. Collectively, these ingredients provide a premium, synergistic complex to support your body.

your day right. Wonderfully bright and modern, add to a spray bottle filled with water for an easy refreshing head to toe spritz. Invite more joy, wellness and balance to your life, particularly if you are starting a new fitness or self-care ritual.

Slique Bars

Ember Diffuser Young Living’s exclusive Ember Diffuser adds a sleek look to any home. It’s made with beautiful terracotta clay and a sustainable rubberwood base. Between these two natural materials is a luminous ring of light, reminiscent of a glowing ember. We include Peppermint 5 ml and Lemon 5 ml.

Di-Gize® Di-Gize® essential oil blend combines Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Lemongrass, Anise and Patchouli oils for an exotic aromatic blend. It also contains Fennel essential oil, which can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times. Apply a few drops of this rich blend to your chest, wrists or stomach for an herbaceous and warming pick-me-up, ideal for colder months. Massage DiGize directly into your tummy, clockwise when feeling uncomfortable stomach symptoms. It’s a great warm, herbaceous scent ideal for Winter. Place in lotion, shampoo or carrier oil for an exotic aroma.

Detoxzyme Detoxzyme® combines a myriad of enzymes and is both vegetarian and keto-friendly in addition to containing no artificial or synthetic ingredients.

Slique Essence Containing Tangerine, Lemon and Spearmint for a crisp and empowering essential oil blend. Place onto pulse points first thing in the morning to start

Slique Bars are nutritional snack bars that help manage hunger. Loaded with and wholesome almonds and pistachios, they help to manage hunger pangs and are a strong source of protein and fibre. Slique Bars also deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants through the addition of pure cinnamon, vanilla, and orange essential oils; a dried-fruit blend featuring goldenberries, dates, cherries and wolfberries; and D. Gary Young’s exclusive dehydrated cacao nibs. Slique Bars’ medley of exotic fruits, nuts, and science creates the perfect stimulant-free, nutritious snack to help you feel fuller for longer. Primary Benefits: Supports feelings of fullness, Promotes fullness by combining high levels of fibre, proteins and fats, moderates cravings with a proprietary essential oil blend, provides healthy calories and essential nutrition. For more information on Young Living, please visit youngliving.com/en_GB

Slique Tea - Cinnamon Oolong Cacao Slique Tea is a delicious, rare blend of natural ingredients chosen for their impressive phytonutrient content. The tea features an exquisite blend of delicious cacao powder, cinnamon bark, flavourful ground nutmeg, and pure, proprietary vanilla essential oil. At the heart of this unique blend are two premium varieties of jade oolong tea leaves, highly sought-after for their rich aroma and antioxidant content. These leaves are handpicked from the high mountains of Taiwan, known for producing some of the world’s finest teas. The Slique Tea blend possesses a superior polyphenolic profile that is rich in catechins and tannins. These two flavonoid compounds combine with other highly desirable tea antioxidants to create a rejuvenating experience. Natural stevia plant extract (Reb A) is added to lightly sweeten the tea without adding calories. This exotic blend is a healthy, nutritious alternative to sugary fruit drinks, concentrates, soft drinks, and coffees. Add it to your daily routine to complement a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. Primary Benefits: Provides a natural energy boost. Contains natural tea antioxidants

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Unlock Fitness Fitness isn’t about what you can do in the gym. It’s about what you can do outside of it. Jonny Bruce, owner and senior coach of Unlock Fitness tells us more.

nlock Fitness was founded by Jonny Bruce, owner and senior coach, on the belief that fitness isn’t just about physical exercise – it’s about a readiness for life, and that involves improving health and wellbeing in a number of areas over the long term. So, at Unlock Fitness we don’t work with you like most personal trainers do, focussing only on exercise. We work holistically, supporting you to manage and improve all the important aspects of your life, from how you move and feel, to what you eat and drink. Our fitness packages offer you truly personalised fitness training and support, bringing together one-to-one physical training sessions in our quiet, private studio, with individual or small group Pilates classes, massage therapy, physiotherapy and help with nutrition and wellness. Our mix and match approach means that together we can decide what support you need, and when. Whatever your fitness level, we can create a package to help you to achieve your goals, whether you’re

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recovering from injury, just beginning your fitness journey, working towards a specific event or looking to enhance your current fitness regime. The Unlock Fitness studio at Chalfont St Giles has been designed with functional fitness in mind, with equipment carefully chosen to support the muscles and movements that you use in everyday life. And all exercises can be adapted to suit your fitness abilities as they change over your time with us. There’s also plenty of floor space for stretching and cardio work, or for Pilates sessions if you choose them. When you work with one of our coaches in the studio, you’ll have it completely to yourself. No waiting to use a machine. No noise or distraction. Just a quiet, focussed workout space exclusively for you. Our two treatment rooms give you complete privacy for things like personal consultations or massage therapy. Our showers and changing rooms make it easy to slot your fitness sessions into your day, wherever you’re coming from or heading on to. And there’s private parking right behind the studio.

When you work with one of our coaches in the studio, you’ll have it completely to yourself. No waiting to use a machine. No noise or distraction

THE DETAILS Unlock Fitness If you’d like to find out more, visit our website at www.unlockfitness.co.uk or call Jonny Bruce on 07780 503631 to see how we can help you to get fit for the life you want

Our personalised coaching brings together all the things you need to build up your fitness from every angle. All with our fully-qualified and experienced coaches and therapists. * Physical Training * Massage * Physiotherapy * Pilates * Nutrition and Wellness

Together we’ll change what you’re capable of – not just in the gym, but in life. Ready? WWW.UNLOCKFITNESS.CO.UK HELLO@UNLOCKFITNESS.CO.UK T:07780 503631 Chiltern House, 100 High Street, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4QH

FASHION,&HEALTH FASHION BEAUTY& BEAUTY

Amanda Holden

On her 5am beauty routine, copying Princess Diana’s hair and chatting to Kylie Minogue on the Neighbours set. By Katie Wright,

ooking back on her acting career, there’s one role Amanda Holden is raring to reprise more than any other. “I always think, ‘Oh, let’s bring back Cutting It!’” – the BBC drama set in a Manchester hair salon that ran for four seasons from 2002 to 2004 – “I still regularly see Angela [Griffin], we’re all still good friends. I think it would be really fun to bring that back.” To play hairdresser Mia Bevan, the Hampshireborn actor spent time under the tutelage of legendary stylist Lino Carbosiero at Daniel Galvin: “I actually learned how to be a hairdresser. I swept the hair, did the blow dries. I learnt all kinds of tricks and tips.” Now, nearly two decades later, Holden has landed a hew hair-related role as celebrity ambassador for Charles Worthington. After an afternoon tea event to launch the partnership – Holden resplendent in a white suit, her honeyblonde locks perfectly coiffed – we’ve retired to a quiet corner of the swanky hotel to chat. The Britain’s Got Talent judge admits her tresses have been through some tough times, including the phase in the 80s when a certain royal was all the rage: “Me and my sister, both of us wanted Princess Diana hair. I had a sailor dress because [Diana] wore a sailor dress, I had flat pumps. I made a scrapbook. I was a huge fan.” Jennifer Aniston was – and remains – another source of ‘hairspiration’ (“Yes, I did The Rachel! Of course!”) but the 50-year-old says she won’t be following the recent trend set by celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker and letting her greys peak through. “I will always be blonde. Each to their own – I have some friends that are embracing age, some people that aren’t. My mum stopped dyeing her own hair around 60 and she’s got really gorgeous, soft-coloured grey hair. I’ll always go ‘Oh god, Mummy, can you just put a bit of colour back in?’ But for me, it’s not something I’m going to do.” Nor is she going to be retiring from the spotlight anytime soon. Holden, who co-hosts the Heart Breakfast radio show with Jamie Theakston on weekday mornings, cites Jennifer Lopez as an example of a woman in the entertainment world

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3 going “through the roof ” in terms of “what you can achieve at what age”. Blonde ambition aside, the mum-of-two (she shares daughters Lexie, 15, and Hollie, nine, with record producer husband Chris Hughes) “relished” the chance to spend more time with her family at home in London during the first UK lockdown last year. “I really loved having everyone under one roof. I loved it. I loved being silly on TikTok, I loved that I socialised with my best friends on Zoom. I loved that I didn’t need to call an Uber, I just staggered up the stairs. There was so many positives for me.” The third lockdown was a different story, however: “The third one did my head in, just in the way that I just lost faith in the government and the rules generally and human nature. I think we started lockdown by being told to look out for each other, and we ended lockdown by being told to spy on each other.” Now, as the pandemic rumbles on, Holden worries that Brits might not be as resilient as they were in the past. “We’ve got to learn as a nation. You know, we’ve won wars, we’ve got through everything with our sense of humor and our stoicism and our ability to stand up for ourselves, and I just hope that we haven’t lost any of that. I don’t want Great Britain to go soft, otherwise I’m leaving – like Kylie!” Recently, the pop star told the BBC she would be moving back to her native Australia, a claim which Holden cheerfully refutes.

HOLDEN’S HEROES: 5 BEAUTY BUYS SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

“I don’t think she’s going. No! Rubbish!” she says, laughing. “She’s not going anywhere. She has a house here and Australia, she’s always done that.” The pair share make-up artist Christian Vermaak, and now they’re both Neighbours alumna, with Holden shooting scenes for the Aussie soap in London earlier this month that will air next year. “Oh my god, she rang on set as well!” Holden recalls. “Kylie rang Christian. She was like, ‘Let me speak to Amanda’. And I was like, ‘Excuse me, I’m just talking to Charlene, everyone!’ It was such a thrill. So fun and so camp.” After making her Ramsay Street dream come true and releasing her debut studio album, Songs from My Heart, last year, the multi-talented star has now set her sights on the literary world and hopes to publish a novel. Is there anything else left on her showbiz bucket list? “I would love to play like a baddie in a Bollywood movie. That’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do, right from my 20s. Surely I could be some wicked mother or some kind of baddie who turns up an upsets the apple cart?” For now, the jetsetter is off to Dubai for a wellearned break, where she’ll indulge in her favourite treats again after being “vegan for most of this year. I thought, ‘I’m gonna just try being vegan for a bit’, because I just wanted to and I’ve really enjoyed it, and how it’s made me feel. “But I’m off on holiday tomorrow, so I will be back on the rosé and the cheese. I just think don’t make rules for yourself. Just do everything in moderation.”

Too Faced Natural Face Palette, £36, Boots “I use Too Faced on my face, so I sort of bronze everywhere and then put a little bit of pink on the apples of my cheeks.”

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Pillow Talk Original, £25 “And then I just grab a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick out of my bag. I love Pillow Talk.”

Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil, £33, John Lewis “I get up at 5:20am I get ready and out the door by 5:45am and I go on air at 6.30am. I literally give my face a little bit of a spritz, I clean any sleepy dust out of my eyes, then I use an Hourglass eyebrow pencil. That’s an amazing eyebrow pencil.”

Charles Worthington Colourplex Ultra Violet Shampoo, £7.99, Boots “We’ve always had the Charles Worthington purple shampoo in our house. We use the heat protectors, and the hair masks as well, mainly when we’re on holiday or we’ve got a bit of downtime or a Sunday.”

Espa Nourishing Lip Treatment, £21 “There’s a lip moisturiser I use by Espa, they’ve got an amazing lip juice thing!”

CA EM J ADNEU R BYE R 2 022022 15 29 1 7

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

AAAAND RELAX... Welcome to Serenity Scents & Lifestyle, combining healing crystals with sumptuous scents for an holistic home experience. Our pledge to help you #FINDYOURSERENITY

rom sweet orange and chilli pepper to classic lavender and bergamot, the spectrum of scents available in our first range have been crafted to capture and recreate emotions and states of wellbeing, with a healing crystal embedded within it to enhance the process. Founder, Karen Davis, spent many months testing wax, techniques, and fragrances to create her first candle collection in 2019, which include: • CALM – a heavenly combination of pear and freesia set with a blue howlite crystal to reduce anxiety • CLEANSE – a classic lime, basil and mandarin scent and set with green fluorite to dispel negative energy • PEACE – a blend of rose and neroli set with a snow-white quartz to aid clarity. Karen says: “I’ve always been convinced of the healing power of crystals, and like many, I love being surrounded by candles, scented or otherwise, for the relaxing sense of wellbeing they bring. One evening

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the idea of combining the two in order to create a lifestyle brand popped into my head and Serenity Scents & Lifestyle was born. Since launch I’ve grown my range to include regular Limited Edition pours, diffusers and I’ve curated a range of home and lifestyle gifts all with the aim of bringing serenity into your life. • We only use natural wax - manufactured from renewable sources, 100 per cent plant-based, sustainable, biodegradable, and free from petroleum, pesticide, and herbicide residue • We only use fragrances that are manufactured in the UK, are IFRA & EU compliant, paraben free, vegan friendly and cruelty free • All products we sell have been ethically sourced and we only deal with reputable companies • All our packaging is as green as it can be –boxes and glassware are all recyclable, reusable and postage peanuts are biodegradable. Occasionally we will use bubble wrap, but it’s been collected from other packages that we’ve received so we reuse packaging wherever we can. Serenity Scents & Lifestyle candles cost £26 and can be bought at serenity-lifestyle.co.uk.

I’ve always been convinced of the healing power of crystals, and like many, I love being surrounded by candles, scented or otherwise, for the relaxing sense of wellbeing they bring THE DETAILS Serenity Scents & Lifestyle For sneak peeks of the latest fragrance launches, follow the brand on Instagram @serenitylifestyleuk Facebook @serenitylifestyleuk

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Professional | Approachable | Bespoke

Inspiring Change Chris Abela is an experienced reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. He has seen a large increase in people actively exploring surgical and non surgical options to address areas of new concern or which have impacted on their self esteem.

Common reasons for looking into surgery include: • Noticing a change in a mole, a new lump or bump, birthmarks on others including children and partners • Mothers who have completed their family and are looking to address abdominal protrusion or lower abdominal skin excess • Excess skin following weight loss • The ‘zoom’ effect with attention drawn to wrinkles, scars, eye-lid bags and jowls Chris prides himself on providing each individual with a professional, bespoke and compassionate approach with a gentle bedside manner and discretion at the heart of every consultation. He has clinics in Marylebone, Chelsea and Wimbledon and in June 2021, he opened a brand new clinic at 84 Harley Street.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris +44 (0)203 545 2990 | info@chrisabela.co.uk | www.chrisabela.co.uk

FASHION,&HEALTH FASHION BEAUTY& BEAUTY

LASCANA SAND STRETCHY OVER-KNEE BOOTS, £65, AVAILABLE FROM FREEMANS

PER UNA LEATHER KNEE HIGH BOOTS, £125, AVAILABLE FROM MARKS AND SPENCER KUALA CHUNKY PULL ON BOOTS BLACK SUEDE, £99, AVAILABLE FROM OFFICE

BELGRAVIA DARK TAN BOOTS, £149, AVAILABLE FROM HOTTER

WINTER BOOT TRENDS From chunky flats to stiletto heels, these are the boots to be seen in this season, says Katie Wright. detailing, riding boots are comfy to walk in and go with almost anything. Suede styles have more of a casual feel, while shiny black leather boots can be dressed up with jeans and a statement blouse.

Block heel boots

intry weather has begun and now the fashion forecast is clear: it’s boots season. More specifically, long boots are taking over from the ankle-high kind and they’ll be here to stay until spring. Want to get on board with the latest catwalkinspired looks? Whether it’s for stomping about in puddles or glamming up for evening, these are the coolest boot trends of the season…

Chunky boots Originally seen on the runways of Celine, Balmain and Bottega Veneta amongst others, tread-sole rubber and leather boots were a bit of a sartorial slow-burn. Embraced by alternative fashion fans to begin with, they’ve now gone well and truly mainstream – which is great news, because they’re warm and hard-wearing too.

Riding boots With just a hint of a heel and some subtle buckle 16 82 6 J JAAN NU UA A RRYY 2 20 20 22 2

Classy and cool, Sixties-inspired block heel boots are ideal for teaming with mini or midi dresses. For even more of a retro-cool vibe, faux snakeskin makes a real statement.

Thigh-high boots Whatever the heel height, OTK (over the knee) boots look chic with a swishy midi skirt or dress – tights are optional. Stiletto or flared heel black thigh-highs are glam enough to work with sparkly frocks or LBDs.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

WELLNESS IN 2022?

It’s a family affair, Kate Kirrane tells us more

hilst the wellness industry has historically been dominated by young, affluent white women, this tide has now well and truly turned. No longer are inner balance and clean living the exclusive pursuits of female vegans with their own yoga mats… In fact, particularly since the beginning of Covid, more people than ever, both young and old and from every walk of life, are seeking more holistic ways to feel happier and healthier. As a yoga teacher, I am seeing an unprecedented number of men coming to the mat to boost mind as well as body (recent stats showed a 30% rise in men attending yoga classes in the last 3 years); older people are more open to exploring

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complementary medicine than ever before, often to address common ailments conventional medicine is not fixing; parents are seeking more holistic ways to support the physical and mental health of their children and teens; and pregnant women and new mums are taking up hypnobirthing, yoga, Pilates and natural therapies/remedies in order to approach their labour and beyond in the most natural way possible. Said Seed’s co-founder, Jen Suri, “Being optimally well isn’t just about running on a treadmill – it’s about focussing on all aspects of our health and wellbeing – our bodies, our minds, our emotional health and our sense of equilibrium so we can cope better in our crazy, unpredictable world. Everybody has a right to feel good. At Seed, we do our best to reach beyond the traditional stereotypes to make wellness accessible to everybody.” As our medical system continues to struggle under intense pressure, surely now is the time to take our health and wellbeing into our own hands. And making positive diet and lifestyle choices is one great way to start. There is so much out there to help us feel better, live better and provide us with the necessary tools so we can better navigate life’s challenges. We just have to be prepared to make that step. As the saying goes, our health is our wealth!

ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW YEAR OVERHAUL? Seed has launched Seed Family - a comprehensive, one-stop

range of services spanning the entire wellness spectrum to help women, men, teens and children of all ages, and their individual needs at every stage of life.

THE DETAILS Seed Wellness For more information on Seed’s offering, visit www.seedwellness.co.uk/seedfamily

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY HEALTH & FITNESS

VEGANUARY: How to grocery shop if you’re going plant-based for the month A vegan gives their top tips on how to prepare for a meat-free month. By Prudence Wade

o, you’ve decided to take the plunge and do Veganuary this year. It’s a brilliant thing to do – you get to learn more about the diet, do your bit for the planet and reap some of the health benefits. But it can be quite a daunting prospect, particularly if you’re a full-time carnivore. What, no meat or dairy – for the whole month? Like a lot of New Year’s resolutions, Veganuary might be tricky to stick to if you’re not prepared. The best way to set yourself up for success is to make sure your fridge and cupboards are stocked with all the essentials – but you don’t want to have to spend lots of money to overhaul your diet. If you’re writing a shopping list ahead of Veganuary, these are some things to keep in mind…

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What to buy… • Nuts: When the 4pm munchies come around, you might be absolutely stumped. What can you have that is actually plant-based, and not totally boring? To make sure you don’t spend loads of money on fancy vegan cereal bars or energy balls, we recommend bulk-buying nuts on Amazon. Delicious and filling, a handful of these will sort you out for the rest of the day. Vegan butter: If you’re a complete newbie to veganism, we wouldn’t suggest diving into plantbased baking – it’s quite tricky and you might be disappointed with the results. Definitely buy a good butter replacement – maybe a sunflower or olive oil spread. We’d argue you can’t really taste the difference between that and normal butter, particularly when slathered inside a sandwich. • Vegan yogurt: The same goes for vegan yogurt. Perfect on granola, in curries – you don’t have to think much about it, just use it as you would dairy yogurt. • Fresh fruit and veg: This one almost goes without saying and should be part of your shop anyway – Veganuary or not. Opt for fruit and veg that’s in season to minimise your carbon footprint, and don’t be afraid of buying a lot – you might find you need to eat greater quantities now you’re missing out on meat. It’s also definitely worth supplementing with beans, grains and pulses –

lentils and chickpeas will become your best friend this month.

What not to bother with… • Loads of meat replacements: While you absolutely can’t go wrong with a good vegan sausage every once and a while, we wouldn’t hugely recommend spending all your money on meat replacements. They tend to be expensive, and you don’t necessarily know what’s in them – and you don’t want to forgo all the health benefits of a vegan diet by exclusively eating processed foods. • Vegan cheese: This is a controversial one, because some vegans love plant-based cheese. Unfortunately, we’ve never come round to it – it just doesn’t really taste like the original, and chances are, you’ll be disappointed. Our stance is: if you avoid cheese entirely this month, you won’t end up missing your normal hunk of Cheddar.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

THE KENSINGTON WING T

“To ensure the safety of women and their birth partners, The Kensington Wing have important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to, but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay”

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he Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services. Being located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital - one of the UK’s safest hospitals - the safety and wellbeing of mother and baby are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times, 24/7, dedicated to the needs of women on the Kensington Wing. In these uncertain times, expectant parents can have additional anxieties or concerns about childbirth or going into a hospital. To ensure the safety of women and their birth partners, The Kensington Wing have important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to, but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven in these times and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team. And are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages. The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries from prospective women and the opportunity to discuss midwifeled care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to

talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of our experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They remain to support you through the postnatal period including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation. The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions. If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit our website thekensingtonwing.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

MINDFUL EATING

My name is Anna Martin. I am a life coach and mindfulness practitioner specialising in weight management and healthy eating. Not only will I help you to regain control of your weight but I will look at the reasons behind your eating habits which are often emotional. I fully understand the mental turmoil surrounding food.

do not believe in fad diets but in a healthy way of eating that can be sustained. As well as weight control, there are so many other reasons to eat a healthy diet including fewer headaches, more energy, better sleep, better skin, less anxiety and one that is at the forefront of our minds at the moment, a stronger immune system. If you choose to work with me, I will teach you to understand the food you eat, the benefits of intermittent fasting, calorie content and how hormones affect our weight. I will not say that you will never put the weight back on; life is not like

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that. Stuff happens – work pressures, holidays, stress, Christmas; all of which might cause us to eat more and gain weight. But I will give you the knowledge and tools to work with so that you are confident that you can get your weight back under control as and when you wish. I have been house bound for many years with M.E, so I have had to learn to manage my weight without exercise and I assure you that it can be done. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re inactive or not, I can definitely help you. We will work together on a one-to-one basis, in the privacy of your own home. I recommend a minimum of 3 sessions together. The first one will be 1 hour and 20 mins at your house. We will discuss your current food habits and areas in which you’ve struggled in the past and set out a plan on how to move forwards. Follow up sessions are for one hour each, either in person or via Zoom. We will check on your progress, tweak any areas that might not be working for you and overall see how you’re doing. I am dedicated to helping you to reach your goals and can’t wait to get started. We will put YOU back in control.

If you choose to work with me, I will teach you to understand the food you eat, the benefits of intermittent fasting, calorie content and how hormones affect our weight

THE DETAILS Chalfont Weight Loss Email me now at anna@chalfontweightloss.co.uk or alternatively visit www.chalfontweightloss.co.uk for more information. chalfontweightloss

Your new Schmidt showroom has opened. This is the ideal opportunity to breathe life into all your home interior projects, from kitchens to living rooms, bathrooms and wardrobes. For more than 60 years, Schmidt’s solutions have been the beating heart of countless home interiors. Visit our design studio in Beaconsﬁeld, the latest addition to our worldwide network of over 1000 studios.

OPENING OFFER FOR THE FIRST 20 ORDERS PLACED. PLEASE BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR DESIGNERS TODAY AND QUOTE “OPEN21” T & CS APPLY.

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> www.homedesign.schmidt

HOUSE &

GARDEN – Keep it local for everything house and home – IMAGE: ORIGIN

HOUSE & GARDEN

The Enduring Appeal of

Japanese Interiors Anna Howell, Chaplins Interiors Editor

t’s been likened to a quiet storm. The type of idea that makes its way to our shores in whispers, riding the crest of waves like origami, wabi sabi and kintsugi. Far too ancient to be considered trendy, Japanese influences are nevertheless ever-present — at once as a vehicle for outstanding aesthetics, and as a roadmap for a more fulfilling life. The infatuation predates even today’s crop of international tastemakers. Charlotte Perriand, the acclaimed French designer, spent much of her heyday in Japan, and so did Italian architect Gianfranco Frattini. But what is novel, perhaps, is how necessary the Japanese approach to living now feels. How the Japanese home came to embody the ideals of serene, considered living is explained by Joy Hendry in her seminal 1995 essay, Wrapping Culture. “In Japanese culture, there is a certain power attached to the condition of being enclosed. Ascetics who shut themselves away were said to gain spiritual power, a concept in Japan known as utsubo”. While utsubo initially only applied to a handful of Zen philosophers, it soon trickled into the wider culture, leading to a reverence of life indoors and a more thoughtful approach to the way we design interiors. Today, many Japanese homes are distinguished by a sense of lightness. Dining room furniture is kept classic and minimal with clear open lines that encourage conversation, while sculptural

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THE DETAILS Chaplins Furniture 020 8421 1779 477-507 Uxbridge Road, HA5 4JS

paper lanterns provide a soft halo of luminosity overhead. In this pantheon of aesthetics, sharp edges find short shrift, replaced instead by soft rounded silhouettes that seem to have been shaped by the elements instead. It’s an idea that even extends towards some of the more traditionally bulky items of furniture. In the hands of designers like Isamu Noguchi and Naoto Fukasawa, beds, bookcases and coffee tables seem to float above the ground, maximising the sense of available space. Journalist Marilena Sobacchi has described this new lexis of lightness as a concentration of expressivity in minimal form. We like to think of it as the ability to say a lot with a little. In the absence of excessive ornamentation, there is room to think. An idea that Marie Kondo explores in her bestselling series The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. “When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state.” Marie Kondo Nor is the search for levity directly restricted to

interiors. As the news cycle intensifies, downloads of meditation apps like Calm and Headspace have reached fever pitch. So too, has the demand for a new type of influencer, the kind that advocates buying once and buying well over an endless cycle of materialism. Transcending the Zeitgeist in 2022 will naturally look different for everyone. But there’s something rather endearing about the idea that calm, stillness and serenity can become the house you live in. It’s in this arena that Japanese inspired-interiors excel. Championing intentionality over excess and stillness instead of clutter. To shop any of the Japanese-inspired designs in this article, simply head to chaplins.co.uk. Or pay us a visit in-store where a carefully curated world of international design awaits.

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HOUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS NEW NEUTRALS

MIX AND MATCH Wood floor experts Woodpecker Flooring have launched a new range of corresponding hardwood planks and striking herringbones to offer homeowners more versatility when choosing their flooring. The ‘Parquet and Plank’ collection brings together three different herringbones from Woodpecker’s Goodrich collection with a matching plank from its Harlech range. Homeowners can lay parquet and planks side by side without worrying about different finishes or thickness and opens up a wealth of design options. woodpeckerflooring.co.uk

BEAUTIFULLY BOLD Decadent design house Coldharbour Lights has unveiled two brand new lampshades – both beautifully complementing this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Very Peri. Lilac incarnations of Coldharbour Lights’ classic Bertie and Juliette shades are now available. coldharbourlights.com

TANTALISING TEXTILES Inspired by her sense of the world, from beautiful botanicals to pebbles on the beach, Rebecca J Mills loves to create dramatically contrasting collections - placing floral next to geometric or an animal print and bringing them together through colour and texture. charltonisland.com 27 36 8 J JAAN NU UA A RRYY 2 20 20 22 2

Breathe fresh life into tired bedrooms with Wall Paint and Chalk Paint™ from Annie Sloan. A highlight of the 32-shade Wall Paint palette, Pompadour is a delicately pigmented shade reflects the warm complexities and subtle shade-shifting properties of fine porcelain. “From painted walls to painted floorboards, an all-neutral scheme will give your room the illusion of being bigger and brighter, while creating a soothing space for sweet dreams and lazy Sunday mornings,” says Annie. “To avoid a clinical look, introduce a disrupter colour on a focal piece such as a bedframe. A burst of your favourite statement shade will add personality and really pop against the clean gallery-style backdrop.” anniesloan.com

GARDEN HHOUSE O U S E && G ARDEN

VERY PERI ARTWORK

Pantone Colour of the Year 2022

ritish online art print destination Claude & Leighton® has curated a selection of its wall art prints, which complement perfectly the newly announced Pantone Colour of the Year 2022: Very Peri. The art prints, created by artist, designer and co-founder of Claude & Leighton, Jayne Leighton Herd, all feature the periwinkle violet blue shade that interior designers, stylists and homeowners alike will be crushing on during the year ahead. The collection includes prints of abstract and landscape paintings, as well as brand new geometric design artwork, ampersand typography posters and abstract face line drawings. All very much in keeping with Pantone’s Very Peri colour ethos of joyous attitude and imaginative expression. The trending colour is positive, uplifting and easily relatable, inspiring thoughts of flowers, spring fresh air and meadows. And it’s a colour which can be added to homes and offices simply, through the use of art and accent accessories, without the burden of redecorating. The prints work well as standalone pieces, or can be included as part of a gallery wall display. Available unframed in various sizes, each print in the collection is produced with high quality, faderesistant inks on premium heavyweight, acid-free archival paper, to ensure it will last a lifetime.

About Claude & Leighton Claude & Leighton® is an online destination for high-quality, contemporary art prints and

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wall decor. From abstracts and landscapes; portraits and animal art; to botanical art and typography, Claude & Leighton offers prints in a variety of genres, to enable people to enhance their homes and offices with expressions of style and personality. Founded in 2020 by husband and wife team Laurent Stadelmann and Jayne Leighton Herd, Claude & Leighton is based in Berkshire, England. Jayne, a professional artist & designer with over 15 years of experience in selling her statement original paintings, and Laurent, an experienced businessman, created Claude & Leighton together to be the home for Jayne’s other extensive art and design creations. Waving a “made in Britain” flag with pride, all art, prints and posters are created and produced in the UK to the highest quality from Claude & Leighton’s own print studio. Then carefully packed in gift-ready, British-made, eco-friendly packaging. claudeandleighton.com

Drift Off With Wool This Autumn Sumptuously soft, temperature regulating British wool beds & bedding... giving you sound sleep and sweet dreams

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Scan me and book a free personal sleep consultation to find your perfect sleep

HOUSE & GARDEN

2022

The year of you

his year brings new health and wellness trends to the centre of our attention. 2022 is all about connecting to your inner wellbeing and embracing mindfulness and the good news is, both of these can be achieved through swimming. Wellbeing essentially refers to quality of life and can apply to both our mental and physical health, the aim being to make choices that are good for us and have positive impacts on our overall health. Mindfulness

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on the other hand, is the basic human ability to be fully present and aware of our feelings, thoughts and surroundings moment by moment. Steps towards mental and physical wellbeing can come in various forms, for you it could mean creating a place where the whole family can be together and spend time having fun or building somewhere just for you to wind down and relax. Swimming is a fantastic activity and an excellent way to work your entire body and cardiovascular system. As well as the amazing advantages for your physical health, swimming also has a remarkable impact on your mental health as it improves your mood, increases your self-esteem, lowers the risk of depression, slows dementia and cognitive decline, improves sleep and reduces stress. Numerous studies have also proven the benefits swimming can have on your body; swimmers have a lower risk of heart disease and strokes, lower blood pressure and reduced joint pain. Swimming is a great all round activity as a source of family fun or the hard hitting form of exercise you’re

“As well as the amazing advantages for your physical health, swimming also has a remarkable impact on your mental health”

craving this new year. However you choose to see it, Origin can make it happen. Having a sauna and steam room alongside your swimming pool would allow you to create a spa in the comfort of your own home. The calming and relaxing nature of these environments make them one of the most loved forms of stress relief leading to increased blood flow to the brain, releasing endorphins and enhancing your overall mood. They’re also a great way to complement your swimming pool and integrate wellbeing and mindfulness into your daily routine.

“Having a sauna and steam room alongside your swimming pool would allow you to create a spa in the comfort of your own home” As we move forward into 2022 there’s no doubt we will see even more emphasis when it comes to reducing our environmental impact. As a future swimming pool owner there are steps you can take lower your carbon footprint, from using an air source heat pump to heat your pool to choosing a pool house from Origin’s Eco-Swim range. The experts at Origin can talk you through a wealth of options to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward this year as wellbeing is important for the planet too. A swimming pool can not only add value to your home but to your home life as well and there are many decisions to be made along the way. Origin are unique in that their team includes specialist designers, architects, engineers and project managers with 40 years of experience. Simply put, they do it all, eliminating the need to employ separate companies by managing the whole process for you, from concept to completion. So talk to the experts at Origin now and make 2022, the year of you.

Call 01895 453996 Email info@originpools.co.uk Follow @originpoolsuk

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HOUSE && GARDEN GARDEN HOUSE

HEART OF CLASS The perfect Valentine’s gifts from Artisan Homeware

inding a Valentine’s gift that is both practical and great looking isn’t the easiest of tasks. From overly sentimental mugs to giant teddy bears, they might make an impact on February 14th but are pretty redundant the rest of the year. Introducing the Valentine’s Day collection from Polish pottery specialists Artisan Homeware. The premium pieces have been handpicked by Artisan Homeware founder Kate Nowakowski and bring together practical homewares with striking aesthetics. From punchy nibble bowls and tea-time accessories to generous baking dishes, these are items that are designed for use every day. Kate Nowakowski, founder of Artisan Homeware, said: “I am a big believer in investing in great quality homewares that can be used all year round. Our ‘Hearts’ collection and heart-shaped bakeware don’t give off cheesy-Valentine’s vibes. Instead, the intricate detailing and bold patterns – in the signature Polish pottery shades of white and blue – exude timeless sentiment. Polish pottery is for life, not just Valentine’s Day!”

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ABOUT ARTISAN HOMEWARE Established in 2013, Artisan Homeware is an independent retailer of ethical homeware and textiles from around the world. Renowned for its extensive selection of traditional, handmade Polish pottery, including many exclusive patterns, Artisan Homeware is one of the few UK sales partners of Ceramika Artystyczna – one of the oldest and most highlyrespected stoneware producers in the pottery town of Boleslawiec. From textiles through to ceramics, the common threads running through all products are traditional craftsmanship, vibrant colours and stunning pattern work. What’s more, all products comes from suppliers who adopt environmentally and worker-friendly production processes, and Fairtrade certification where appropriate. All products are available from artisanhomeware.co.uk

“The premium pieces have been handpicked by Artisan Homeware founder Kate Nowakowski and bring together practical homewares with striking aesthetics”

Beautifully handcrafted Windows, Doors & Conservatories. With Evolution windows you can beneﬁt from the traditional look and feel of Timber alternative windows, uniquely combined with all the advantages of modern technology. At Radley Aylesbury we aim to make choosing the right product a pleasure and welcome you to visit our showroom where we will be happy to provide you with totally free and impartial advice in a relaxed atmosphere. Our strength is not only the high quality of products that we oﬀer but the team that we are. We work together to achieve the best installation and after care possible for our customers. All installations are given a 10 year warranty which is backed by an independent 10 year warranty for that extra peace of mind.

Visit our showroom or call Radley Aylesbury on

01296 331818

59 Edison Road, Rabans Lane, Aylesbury, HP19 8TE

radleyaylesbury.co.uk

GARDEN HHOUSE O U S E && G ARDEN

‘Flower Power’ roller blind range Ella Doran launches

esigner Ella Doran has announced the launch of a brand-new range of roller blinds entitled Flower Power. The new collection, joining her established, made-to-measure range, is made up of two mini collections – Floral Portraits, a series inspired by the great Dutch floral still life paintings of the late 17th and early 18th centuries and Floral Bursts, which feature a slightly more informal series of arrangements. The images were all shot and composed by Ella Doran, who first made her name in the late 1990s with her pioneering application of photography-based images and patterns onto products for the home. There are four new blind designs in each mini-collection, making eight in the overall series. ‘The works of the still life painters Jacob Woutersz Vosmaer and Rachel Ruysch were the initial inspiration for the series’ Ella Doran explained. ‘I’ve long been a fan of the arrangements in these paintings, where the flowers are portrayed against dark backgrounds and strike a great balance between formality and a certain real-ness and celebration of Nature’s imperfections. I wanted to pay homage to the paintings, but in a contemporary way, with the photographic style allowing the flowers themselves to win out more over the background.’ elladesign.co.uk

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Prestwood Home Improvements LTD Roofing & Building Developments The services provided range from all roof replacements and roofing repairs to installation of maintenance free UPVC roofline solutions consisting of UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering. 10 Year Guarantee for all New Roof Installations Comprehensive & Professional Service from Start to Completion. Fully Trained and Qualified in Installations of all roof Styles, including: Lean-to, Pitched and Flat, Utilizing a Broad Range of Materials. To Discuss Your Requirements, Contact the Experts for a Free No Obligation Assessment. 01494 264666 | 07402 817050 prestwoodhomeimprovements@gmail.com www.prestwoodhomeimprovementsltd.co.uk

GARDEN HHOUSE O U S E && G ARDEN

Desks That Make

WORKING FROM HOME A Pleasure

“To inject glamour into your workspace the Lorenzo desk is a great choice”

ith a decent percentage of the country’s workforce now working from home, the demand for good quality yet stylish office furniture has never been higher. Creating a home office space with your own desk is also a great opportunity to show off a bit of design flair and build an aesthetically pleasing area that you can enjoy spending time in. My Furniture has introduced a brand new range of desks to suit different situations and availability of space. These beautiful desks are not only stunningly eye-catching but also an affordable way to add a luxurious, designer feel to your home office area. If your workspace has a minimalist, industrial feel, the Otto and Foster glass and metal desks are both excellent options to add style and elevate the functional mood to something more elegant. To inject glamour into your workspace the Lorenzo desk is a great choice; sleek and modern, with a pleasing sense of instant organisation. The structured design balances neatly against the simple lines, whilst the gold detailing complements the polished toughened glass finish. For a Scandinavian style interior, the graceful lines and pale sand tone of the Murphy desk makes this an excellent choice. Featuring brushed stainless steel metal work with brass finish and a solid oak desktop, the classic styling and wood finish creates the ideal backdrop for a little corner of luxury. my-furniture.com 2 NU UA AR 8 46 6 J JAAN R YY 220 02 22 2

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HOUSE & GARDEN

WARMTH OF THE SOUL

Wheelie Good Firewood has been selling seasoned firewood for over 15 years. In that time the way people buy, store and even burn their wood has changed.

ontemporary log burners that only burn kiln dried logs are rapidly replacing traditional open fires as being more economical and a more modern focal point of the house. A bulk order online delivered on a pallet, or low quality net bags of logs from your local petrol garage would fuel these stoves. We can offer a high grade, kiln dried firewood delivered to your door in an easy to manage storage bin with a same day/next day delivery time and you don’t even need to be at home saving you time and significant savings over buying net bags. Wheelie Good Firewood, always deliver high quality kiln dried hardwood Logs to your door in clean, purpose built Wheelie Bins.

Same or next day delivery to The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and surrounding areas. To compliment your firewood, we also sell other items to keep you warm in your garden, why not visit the Solo Stove Bonfire and the Solo Stove Yukon pages on our website to find out more! Wheelie Good Firewood’s aim is to deliver a first class customer experience every time. If you love our service please tell others by leaving a review on our social media platforms. Once you place your order, whether it’s for a new bin full of Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs, a refill bin, Firelighters or Kindling, we will be in touch to confirm your delivery date! Perfect timing for those impromptu fire pits in the long summer evenings or the cosy winter nights. Our team is on hand waiting for you to place your order and deliver promptly as promised.

We always deliver high quality kiln dried hardwood logs to your door in clean, purpose built Wheelie Bins THE DETAILS Wheelie Good Firewood T:07952 335 788 E:alan@wheeliegoodfirewood.co.uk wheeliegoodfirewood 88 JANUARY 2022

HOUSE & GARDEN

Start your journey to a

WARMER HOME

Your local supplier with a personal touch. Marlow Stoves is family run business with a genuine passion for what we do - bringing our customer’s dreams to life and creating a better environment for the future.

e have built our reputation on honesty and integrity, always offering clear advice to ensure you get the right solution for your

home and lifestyle. At Marlow Stoves we provide a full service offer, from the site survey, consultancy, 3D modelling, installation and after sales care. Our experienced team listen to your requirements, provide knowledgeable advice and create complete interior design solutions that bring dreams to life. During the summer months we create bespoke outdoor living spaces, including fire pits, grills and garden kitchens. Our engineers are qualified to supply and fit any solid fuel and electric appliance from traditional free standing stoves to highly contemporary inset or free standing fires, offering a bespoke service to meet your requirements. Our work isn’t done once your stove is installed. 90 JANUARY 2022

From helping you find the right finish for the interior of your chamber to advising you on the ideal surround or beam for the perfect finish to your fireplace

THE DETAILS We pride ourselves on our ongoing customer care, from annual servicing to simply being on hand to answer any questions you may have. Whatever your project, call us or visit our showroom.

Marlow Stoves Unit U, The Rose Business Estate, Marlow Bottom, Bucks, SL7 3ND info@marlowstoves.co.uk 01628 290 142 marlowstoves.co.uk

GARDEN HHOUSE O U S E && G ARDEN

TOP INTERIOR TRENDS AS TOLD BY ROTHLEY Sophie Hill, Marketing and Insight and Innovation at Rothley, comments on 2022’s top interior trends as seen by Rothley

Eco-friendly design A more conscious way of living is at the top of our priority list, as the climate crisis worsens and we all try to do our bit to help. We’ve seen a clear shift towards more conscious choices, whether that is materials or extending the life of items around the home rather than buying more things. Low-waste living and upcycling is at the heart of creating a mindful home, and we have definitely seen a rise in upcycling which is likely to continue - from people sewing and making over old outfits, to making garden furniture out of wooden pallets. For the less experienced DIY-ers, taking an old piece of furniture and customising it is a great way to reduce waste and also means no one else has the same piece as you! It is amazing what a new set of legs can do to a set of table and chairs, we have also just launched our new hairpin legs range. In a variety of sizes and finishes, they’re set to transform any old desk or cabinet. My personal tip

“For the less experienced DIYers, taking an old piece of furniture and customising it is a great way to reduce waste”

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would be to make a habit of visiting local charity shops - you’d be surprised by the gems you can find! Looking for a bigger change - instead of purchasing a whole new kitchen, why not paint the cabinets, expose some shelves for a tidier feel, and swap out some elements like taps and hooks? That way you still get a ‘new’ kitchen without the effort and mess of a whole new unit.

When it comes to materials, we at Rothley recognise consumers’ needs for more conscious choices which is why we have introduced a Krome range - the finish has exactly the same appearance as chrome, but is more durable, much more environmentally friendly and there are no harmful by-products generated during production. We’ve also cut back on our packaging, utilising recyclable materials and replacing plastic wrapping with sustainable alternatives.

Decorative metal Gone are the days when a utensil hook or curtain pole were just practical items in the home. With stylish options in a variety of colours and sizes available now, those once practical items are now part of curated home design schemes. Choose your desired finish, like matt black or polished silver, and implement it throughout the home, for a coherent look which travels from room to room. Top tip: If you’re feeling bold, extend the metallic finish into bigger elements of the home, like a copper table top in the dining room, matched with a splashback in the kitchen.

Bold contrasting colours After spending the last 18 months cooped in our homes, we’re eager to open the windows and doors of our homes and let the world in. Colour has been on the rise, and will continue to be in the centre of interior design in 2022. As greys and neutral hues are taking a back seat, interior enthusiasts are moving from using colour blocks to separate the home office from the kitchen, to simply embracing colour as a way of injecting

personality and giving a space a new lease of life. At Rothley we have noticed consumers hunger for colour, as our coloured accessories are out selling steel and gunmetal alternatives. Home accessories in copper and matt black finishes are some of our best sellers, outselling chrome effect and polished stainless steel by 3%, and we have also just launched a range of hairpin legs which come in antique brass, polished copper, gunmetal and matt black.

Home office As the world reopens, we are adopting a new flexible way of living, taking into account some of the learnings from the pandemic. Many of us spent months working from home, and while it could be lonely at times, it also had some benefits we’re not ready to let go of, and many are spending some of their work time at home on an ongoing basis now. Home offices are going to continue to be in the centre of decorating in 2022, especially since many of us had to create them with almost no time to prepare. Now we have the time to make a home office its own space, and give it as much thought as we would designing a kitchen or bedroom.

With over 190 years of experience, Rothley offers a variety of metal hardware products including handrail, shelving brackets, furniture legs and curtain poles, and now also launching trendy hairpin legs. Rothley home improvement products are helping make your interior style dreams a reality. An advocate for ‘fashionmongery,’ Rothley provides the right finishing touches for a curated home design look, coordinating previously functional items in shades to suit your aesthetic including matt black and polished copper. The latest launch from Rothley is hairpin legs, a fashion forward way to put your stamp on your furniture - whether upcycling a new lease of life into an existing item or creating a new statement piece. ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ brands/rothley JANUARY 2022 93

HOUSE & GARDEN

HEATING YOUR HOME

MORE EFFECTIVELY

hermostat controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your boiler. ‘Thermostats, particularly in older homes with older heating systems, can degrade over time. Such degradation can lead to delays in your boiler switching on, or your home being heated at much higher temperatures than required’ Warns Alex. ‘Upgrading your thermostat could provide far greater accuracy in thermostat to boiler communication, preventing energy from being wasted, and saving you money.’ Using a thermostat with a timer offers a simple and speedy solution to controlling your heating effectively’ Alex explains. Modern day thermostats can be controlled from your mobile, to ensure your home is nice and warm when you arrive home. Ashridge Construction consists of a team of highly skilled, trustworthy builders and tradesmen which have many years experience in constructing new build houses, home extensions, loft conversions and refurbishments in the Hertfordshire / Buckinghamshire area.

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Upgrading your thermostat could provide far greater accuracy in thermostat to boiler communication, preventing energy from being wasted, and saving you money THE DETAILS Ashridge Construction 01442 732152 alex@ashridgeconstruction.com www.ashridgeconstruction.com

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& GARDEN BHOUSE ATHROOMS

BATHROOM REFRESH:

Why wallpaper is big news in the bathroom Wallpaper in the bathroom has become one of THE design trends of 2021, according to new research from luxury wallpaper designer Elizabeth Ockford.

oogle searches across the entire Home & Garden category shows searches for ‘wallpaper in the bathroom’ peaked this summer. And while some might be scared of embracing this new wallpaper trend, Elizabeth is a big fan. Wallpaper designer Elizabeth Ockford said: “I think a bathroom is a great space in which to use a wallpaper. “Something fun or interesting to look at in the bath is such treat. And right now we all need a bit of escapism - so why not make that your bathroom? “You can use wallpaper to create many moods, from bold and sassy to characterful and adventurous, simply by picking a brave choice of wallpaper.” Of course, hanging wallpaper in a bathroom does bring with it some specific challenges, mainly the humid surroundings. But according to Elizabeth, choose the right wallpaper and the right tools and it won’t be a problem. She said: “People often falter at using wallpaper in a bathroom, because they are afraid of how the dampness or steam will impact the paper. “However, most modern bathrooms are far better ventilated these days than they used to be

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– and if hung well, it’s not really a problem with a non-woven paper. “But, if you are concerned, apply a coat of matt water-based varnish over all the wallpaper once its hung and dry. Make sure to ‘seal’ all the edges and joins, and this will make your wallpaper more ‘waterproof ’ than traditional vinyl papers.” Elizabeth Ockford carried out research using the Google Trends platform which takes account of over 3.5 billion searches a day. While Google Trends doesn’t show exact search volumes it shows increases in interest by providing a ‘normalised’ score of between 0 and 100 against particular terms and categories.

About Elizabeth Ockford Colour, pattern and the desire to evoke joy is at the heart of wallpaper brand Elizabeth Ockford Ltd. Created by Chelsea School of Art graduate Elizabeth Ockford in 2019, the firm is driven by a passion for fresh, new designs inspired by the nostalgia of archived illustrations, antique fabrics and long-forgotten vintage artefacts. The small design team combine traditional artistry with modern printing techniques to create rich designs with an ethereal edge. Located in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Elizabeth Ockford Ltd is committed to sustainability and protecting the environment. All wallpapers are printed to order, reducing excess waste, using ecofriendly water-based inks and FSCcertified papers. elizabethockford.com

Windows Bi folding doors Panoramic sliding doors Composite doors Aluminium front doors Roof lanterns Flat roof lights Orangeries

NEW SHOWROOM Unity House, Chilton Road, Chesham HP5 2AT Free customer parking

01494 776242 www.window-wise.co.uk

info@window-wise.co.uk

HOUSE & GARDEN

Transform your home and work life with a

LUXURY GARDEN ROOM W

ith everyone spending more time at home than ever before, the demands we are putting on our domestic environment means we need more space to live, to work and sometimes just to breathe. Our Garden Room’s mission is to help you realise these dreams. From a simple office nestling in the trees, to a multi-purpose family living room in a beautifully designed landscape, we will design and build what is going to best anticipate the evolving needs of you and your family. From fully bespoke timber frame buildings to beautiful three season pavilions, our range of highquality garden rooms are designed to suit your specific needs, your garden size and your budget. With premium options that include flat ceilings and flush entry thresholds, our unique garden room designs offer the best of domestic interior finishes and a high specification build. Indulge in a wide choice of interior and exterior lighting, heating, air conditioning and security systems to make this a room you will never want to leave. It is also important to us that you should not have to go too far from your home to expand its horizons. Our Garden Room prides itself on being 98 JANUARY 2022

a local company with a team of talented designers and craftsmen based at the stunning showroom in Berkhamsted and impressive workshop and factory in Leighton Buzzard. We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you to our showroom in Berkhamsted, so please pop by and meet our friendly team or give us a call on 01442 967195 if you’d like to discuss your specific requirements – we’d love to help make your garden room dreams come true. www.ourgardenroom.co.uk

A stylish outdoor space to work in or work out. Luxury garden rooms to help get your home fit for the year ahead Transform your home and garden with one of our beautiful, bespoke and fully insulated garden rooms, expertly built to the highest standards. From a multi-purpose living room or gym, to a flexible office or studio, enhance your home, work and family life with a beautiful garden room designed just for you. Let us help create the perfect space in your garden that is warm in

Call 01442 967195

winter and cool in summer, so you can enjoy it 365 days of the year. To find out more, pop in and meet our friendly team at our stunning showroom on Berkhamsted High Street.

Visit ourgardenroom.co.uk

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